Supabase vs Convex: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Supabase and Convex comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Supabase wins this matchup. OutSystems is our overall Low-Code Backend pick. Sanity is our free Low-Code Backend pick. Pick Convex if you need low-code backend.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • You want full PostgreSQL access
- • You want generous free tier
Convex
Real-time backend platform for reactive apps
Best for you if:
- • You want real-time first
- • You want great DX
| At a Glance | Supabase | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Supabase or Convex?
Choose Supabase if
Open source Firebase alternative
- You want full PostgreSQL access
- You want generous free tier
- Your work is data & databases-shaped, not low-code backend-shaped
Choose Convex if
Real-time backend platform for reactive apps
- You want real-time first
- You want great DX
- Your work is low-code backend-shaped, not data & databases-shaped
| Feature | Supabase | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 233 reviews | ★4.6/5 6 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools | Low-Code BackendServerless |
In-Depth Analysis
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Supabase is the open-source Firebase alternative that developers actually want to use, Postgres database, authentication, storage, edge functions, and real-time subscriptions in one platform.
Watch out
Free projects pause after 7 days of inactivity: your app goes offline until someone visits it again. Not suitable for any production use, only for development and demos
Strengths
- +Full PostgreSQL access
- +Generous free tier
- +Open-source and self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Weaknesses
- -Projects pause on free tier
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Less mature than alternatives
Key features
Convex
Real-time backend platform for reactive apps
Convex Free tier is generous for side projects: 1M function calls/mo and 0.5GB storage at no cost.
Watch out
EU hosting adds a 30% surcharge on all usage, significant for European teams
Strengths
- +Real-time first
- +Great DX
- +TypeScript native
Weaknesses
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Newer platform
Key features
Pricing: Supabase vs Convex
| Plan | Supabase | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $25 Pro | $25/developer Professional |
| Tier 3 | $599 Team | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Supabase pricing and Convex pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Supabase
Want the highest-rated option?
Supabase: 4.6/5 (233 reviews). Convex: 4.6/5 (6 reviews).
Go with: Supabase
Value user reviews?
Supabase: 233 reviews (4.6/5). Convex: 6 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Supabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Supabase is a data & databases tool. Convex is in low-code backend. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Larger review base (233 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Convex
- Better fit for low-code backend
The Bottom Line
Supabase wins this matchup. OutSystems is our overall Low-Code Backend pick. Sanity is our free Low-Code Backend pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Supabase or Convex better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Supabase and Convex used for?
Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative. Convex: Real-time backend platform for reactive apps.
What does Supabase cost vs Convex?
Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Convex is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.